People Headlines

March 30, 2015

When we heard that Justin Bieber hopped on stage Saturday at the AAA with Ariana Grande, our first reaction was, "We had no idea they already started filming the Fraggle Rock remake in Miami." Then Bieber showed how grown up he was, stopping by Ultra and partying like a pro at P. Diddy's Star Island manse where a Kardashian and her rapper boyfriend, French Montana, were staying all weekend, and finally, at LIV, where the crowd, we're told, was "fine" with his appearance.

As for that Kardashian, Khloe specifically, she was all over the place with this Montana guy, giving tabloids reason to keep their fingers on the exclamation point for well over three seconds because apparently the two together are a big deal. (Photo:Thaddeus McAdams/ExclusiveAccess.net)

Hennessy V.S. thought so too, taking over Dream Nightclub Saturday night with hosts named Flex, French and Feezy. Arriving through a back entrance around 2:15 a.m., Montana, Kardashian, Diddy, his son, and their entourage were immediately escorted to a huge section.Funk Master Flex began spinning a few of Montana's songs before the rapper himself grabbed the mic to perform from his section as Hennessy V.S bottle parades were sent through the club. (Photos: Thaddeus McAdams/ExclusiveAccess.net)

On Sunday night Hennessy V.S brought the party to Cafe Iguana in Pembroke Pines with host Meek Mil, who arrived hand in hand with girlfriend Nicki Minaj around 2 a.m. The crowd went wild, screaming as soon as they saw Minaj, who was very coy and playful and seen waving and taking a selfie with a fans and smiling for photographers. As they sat at the table they were greeted with a huge Hennessy bottle parade. Later on in the evening Mill performed four of his popular hits and a new song on his upcoming album. That crew eventually ended up at LIV too. Cue exclamation points here. (Photo: Thaddeus McAdams/ExclusiveAccess.net)

November 06, 2014

It was a 70s-era pop culture fanatic's dream come true Wednesday as the entire cast and over 20 guest stars of the seminal, iconic TV show The Love Boat reunited on board Princess Cruises' Regal Princess as part of the cruise line's year long 50th anniversary celebration. Love, definitely (of the obesessive fangirl kind, that is), exciting, oh yeah, new? Unless you count some of the star's faces, not so much. The 70s definitely threw up on the Lido Deck at this spectacluar, which seemingly missed nothing other than, perhaps, appearances by The Landers Sisters, Lola Falana, and Lyle Waggoner (Google it, millennials).

There was Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing), Fred Grandy (Gopher, turned politician), Ted Lange (Isaac the bartender), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Lauren Tewes (Julie the Cruise Director), and Jill Whelan (Vicki), all decked out in their Pacific Princess finest, helping to christen the new ship and supping with the puppetmaster who paid for all of this---Princess owner Micky Arison.

And while the spirit of The Love Boat brainchild Aaron Spelling indeed was present, his daughter Tori was not, bailing from her master of ceremonies duties a day before the big extravanza because of, cough, a cough. Tori's absence wasn't even noticed as the ship took on a decidedly retro fab, nostalgic theme thanks to a stellar supporting cast, a circus of the stahhhs that included appearances by--throw the life preserver out right here:

Loni Anderson, whom we met heading into the ladies' room looking a little lost

Joyce DeWitt, who brought a little Regal Beagle to the Regal Princess

Florence Henderson and Christopher Knight, Brady mother and son who, as far as we know, unlike Gregg and Mrs B, have never hooked up

A bearded Lorenzo Lamas bickering with his umpteenth wife

Carol Lawrence, a musical theater actress who was married to Robert Goulet for a few decades

Doris Roberts, best known for her latter role on Everybody Loves Raymond, but a Pacific Princess regular

Love Boat theme song singer Jack Jones who indeed sang it

One Day at A Time and Mamas & The Papas spawn Mackenzie Phillips looking and, she told me, feeling good and taking it --er, never mind;

Don(ny) Most, aka Ralph Malph from Happy Days, who asked where in New York I was from, Happy Days matriarch Marion Ross

Knots Landing'sJoan van Ark, who declined a photo because she told me she was in the hospital all day with "kidney stones"

Frank Sinatra, Jr., who may have had a bit of his legendary dad's swagger, but was completely, like most people, eclipsed by the highlight of the night, none other than Charo.

Charo, as usual, at 63, was on fire. She gave a full blown, rousing performance, showing off her guitar skills, and then somehow, cough, ended up in an elevator with this writer, giving us a private show, a hyped up, hilarious rendition of her catchphrase, 'cuchi, cuchi.' During a photo op with the Latin spitfire, she turned to me and said, "Smile, you leetle beetch." Was this The Love Boat or Fantasy Island? A little bit of both, for sure.

June 14, 2013

You'd think the leakage of Kanye West'sYeezus today was the second coming of, well, never mind. But for LIV's David Grutman, it kind of is. You see, West's single "On Sight," produced by Daft Punk, name checks the Grand Poohbah of clubland at the 1:40 mark, saying something to the effect of "Took her to the bleau, she tried to sip the fountain, that's when David Grutman kicked her out. But I got her back in and put my di*k in her mouth." With such deeply profound lyrics, he's not the Montell Michael Jordan of music, he's the Shakespeare of music. Lord, what fools these mortals be!

We asked Grutman his thoughts on joining the ranks of Kathie Lee Gifford, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta and Jake Gyllenhaal, all whose names Yeezus has previously dropped in his songs, to which he replied, "It's pretty fu**ing sick. It doesn't hurt that it's the first single off the much anticipated album and that those Daft Punk guys produced the song. Pretty special." Not nearly as special as the not so mystery woman to whom West refers. When we asked Grutman if West was referring to his baby mama, who, along with her sisterly klique and their assorted appendages, has spent many a night at LIV, he said, "I have no idea." Oh, he does. He's just preoccupied. After all, Yeezus just took his name in vain.

April 14, 2013

Philanthropist and The Real
Housewives of Miami cast member Lea Black is really a mad social
scientist of sorts, fusing a motley crew into one big philanthropic
Petri dish. Her latest concoction was seen Saturday night at the Fontainebleau at
her and her defense attorney husband Roy's haute hootenanny to raise money for
a cause bigger than all the egos in the ballroom--children.

And while we expected some people to
act like children, the whole scene was surprisingly civilized and drama
free. Sure, there were the grand camera-ready entrances of RHOM cast members Lisa
Hochstein and Joanna Krupa, in attendance with their RHOM alum, the
smart one that got away, dentist Karent Sierra. The other half of that
show was busy showing solidarity for each other and took their drama to the gay
polo tournament in Wellington. Footage of both forthcoming, only by Bravo.
There was also a handful of hilariously colorful women at the party who should
have been cast on that show, especially the one who introduced herself to us
saying, "I'm not a stripper. I'm not a hooker. I'm a socialite."

But it was nothing compared to the
grandest entrance made by erstwhile cast member, drag queen Elaine Lancaster,
who entered with long time BFF and recent, unofficial North Korean ambassador
and Kim Jong-un idol Dennis Rodman. The duo was joined by former
Miamian Lisa Pliner, who seemed to provide the larger than life Rodman
with more than his fair share of amusement. Toto, we're not in Pyongyang
anymore.

Speaking of North Korea, Rodman
spoke to us exclusively on his controversial trip there. "I have been
contacted by the FBI and I met with them. They wanted to know what went on and
who's really in charge in North Korea. I have been invited back to North Korea
in August and I want to go. I'm not a total idiot. I know what Kim Jong-un is
threatening to do regarding his military muscle. I hope it doesn't happen
because America will take whatever actions to protect America and our allies. I
do think, umm, you know, that we have to talk to people who want to cause us
harm so hopefully they won't. I've been talking to folks for years who don't
get what I'm about but that's cool, 'cause once they walk away they like me. I
might be able to keep folks' heads cool. We all going to find a way to get
along and keep peace. Peace and love is where it is at, Lesley."

Indeed. But beyond those politics,
there were no doubt party politics taking place around the room, as young Miami
mixed with not so young Miami (and some famous visitors including Lance Bass
and Kardashian appendage Jonathan Cheban, who talked to us about his
aspirations to become the "next Simon Cowell," because of his
penchant for judging people) for a fun filled night of selflessness despite the
inevitable presence of a few party crashing freeloaders who were captured on
camera not so surreptitiously lifting a VIP gift bag.

American Idol winner Taylor Hicks provided the dinner music, a
mellow, bluesy mix of Doobie Brothers and Elton John, while local
fave Flo Rida got the crowd--and some willing and able women--up off
their feet, onto the stage and, for some, almost out of their clothes with a
powerhouse show of his greatest hits.

So further beyond the politics, baubles,
Botox and ballers, how much was raised? "We're still counting," Lea
Black told us. "It was a packed house of people partying until one in the
morning. Between Taylor Hicks, Flo Rida, DJ Whi5ker5 and his incredible
light show, and all the generosity, it was, hands down, one of the best parties
yet." We agree. In what universe would you ever expect to see Kim Jong-un
in the same blog post as The Real Housewives, Taylor Hicks, Lance Bass and Flo
Rida? Now that's so Miami.

March 14, 2013

Sure, the Harlem Shake is yesterday's Gangnam Style, but when you throw in some Victoria's Secret models (Elsa Hosk and Sara Sampaio), a Hunger Games star (Alexander Ludwig), DJ Cassidy and scads of scantily clad Spring Breakers reveling blissfully (or boozily, rather) in one of the country's Trashiest Spring Break Destinations (albeit at one of the least trashy hotels ever, The Raleigh), it's a whole different story and one that's probably best viewed via this video by World Red Eye.

March 23, 2012

The rumors are partially true. Like the person Carly Simon sings about in "You're So Vain," Madonna's where she should be all the time (though when she's not, she probably isn't with a spy or the wife of a close friend, but then again, you never know), and when you have a new (mostly) dance CD out, you go to Miami during Winter Music Conference. Madonna doesn't have to leave her house to sell records, but ever the savvy icon, she will indeed be at a major Miami Music Week event, but it's not the one everyone thinks it is, not the "official" MDNA release party tonight at the Delano. Nope. Madonna's been there, done that. And she won't do it tonight. What she will do is stop by somewhere major, somewhere sold out tomorrow night to spin the record and get the crowd hyped up. Says Miami Herald music writer Howard Cohen, "Tony Orlando at the Alper JCC! She'll tie a yellow ribbon around Dawn and take over the harmonies." We wish. Scalpers, you're about to make a mint and Madonna, well, you're Madonna. Enough said and welcome back. We've missed you.

February 15, 2012

While the internet was erroneously (?) abuzz with the news that rapper, Lil Wayne was off the, er, eligible list, allegedly popping the question to his girlfriend Dhea, which he later recanted, saying he meant he asked her to be his Valentine (groan), it should be noted that whatever it was, it happened at Barton G. The Restaurant. Over the top it was not, but pure and simple and sweet are the reports, no champagne on bended knee, just Lil Wayne toasting his Valentine with his usual non-alcoholic Courtney Spritzer cocktail made with cranberry juice, Sprite and a strawberry. Lobster Pop Tarts and Coconut Crusted Voodoo Shrimp launched their V-Day dinner followed by some Good Ol' Southern Fried Chicken and Tango Time Skirt Steak. Chef Arthur Jones topped it off with a special a la mode dessert with a huge yellow diamond perched atop a mound of ice cream. All this romantic whimsy and a yellow diamond for a Hallmark holiday? We think not. Did someone have a change of heart or are they just playing into the, to use a Lil Wayne song here, Gossip?

Some say people are jealous or nervous that the reunion of the team some say made South Beach the nightlife capital it once was will ruin their own businesses, and others say that people are downright nervous in general, not for business purposes, but for reasons involving personal safety. It's no secret Paciello had a violent past, for which he has served time in prison. It's no secret that he had enemies, some who still live and work on South Beach. We spoke to nightlife veteran Gerry Kelly, currently serving as marketing and nightlife operator at Trio On the Bay, who worked with Paciello and wasn't exactly BFF with the guy back in the day. "I was surprised to hear he was returning to Miami," Kelly admitted. "I do believe we all learn from our experiences in life. Miami's nightlife and entertainment culture has changed so much since the late 90s that we all have to adapt and change to keep up with the never ending new trends. The city is definitely big enough for everyone and I wish him the best."

Not everyone, however, was willing to go on the record for this post, but one person told us, "Some people ratted out Chris to the police back in the day and now they're afraid he's going to come after them." Friends of Paciello's, however, say he's a changed man. Casares hasn't said much. In fact, she isn't even 100% onboard yet. The club fixture-turned-mother seems pretty content in her life as such and doesn't seem to be jumping on any bandwagon just yet. Money talks, however, so who knows. Don't be surprised if Casares passes on this one.

And while Casares has moved on and Paciello may be a changed man, they aren't the only ones who have changed. Times have changed. Nightlife has changed. Some of us remember when they tried to reopen Studio 54 in NYC in the 80s. That was a failure. Unless you're a set designer it's impossible to recreate the past. As scientists have recently proven, time travel's impossible. But some refuse to believe that. Many people are expecting miracles from him and that's a lot of pressure. Time can't rewind, but it can and will tell. So stay tuned.

May 21, 2011

Here's Lindsay Lohan in rare form, like we've never seen her---working in Miami as opposed to channeling her inner Janis Joplin like she used to back when she was barely legal. In town for just the weekend, Lohan did her best Marilyn Monroe impressionat a cover shoot on the roof of the Raleigh Hotel for Plum Magazine. Says our spy, "Her hair and dress were blowing up in the wind, possibly showing more than she intended." But what was seen at the shoot was a hell of a lot better what some have seen from her in the past. And about that past: Lohan's Miamified magazine mug shot will be unveiled on June 15th--just two days before the troubled starlet will have to surrender to authorities to begin serving her jail time for that stolen necklace nonsense. Note to all aspiring starlets: getting arrested and thrown in jail doesn't always guarantee you a magazine cover so do not try this at home.

December 20, 2010

With foreclosure sales making up 39.7 percent of home sales in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, there's nothing like someone coming to town and rubbing in the fact that the closest thing he's ever come to foreclosure was on a golf course. Chapter 11 and Chapter 33? Ok, fine, but eh, those are just sections of his many know-it-all-books. Ones he'd love for you to skip. War scars of the rich and famous.

That someone would be Donald Trump, who, back in the 80s, staged a "mortgage burning" in the gilded lobby of Trump Tower, showing off the fact that he raised money to save a Georgia widow's farm. On January 7, 2011, The Donald will recreate that very mortgage burning, only this time it's to show off the paid-off $210 million construction loan of Dezer Properties’ Sunny Isles Beach oceanfront condominium, The Trump Royale.

Rather than just being happy that his debt has been paid off, Trump will celebrate in his typical bombastic style--or lack thereof--with fire dancers, among other things, culminating with the burning of the mortgage. Of course the event is open to all credentialed media, The Donald's second favorite thing next to AquaNet, but not to any of the thousands of Miami folk who'd love to just set their mortgages ablaze too. That, unfortunately, will have to come if and when he decides to make a run for it in 2012.